Last-minute gift ideas don't have to cost a lot

Wednesday

Dec 24, 2008 at 12:01 AMDec 24, 2008 at 12:17 AM

The clock has officially ticked down to the last few hours before Christmas Day.

Deanna Wheeler

The clock has officially ticked down to the last few hours before Christmas Day. Just when you wrapped the last gift and tied the last bow, you find out that your great-aunt Muriel, who only visits once every six years, has decided to break her reputation and make an appearance around the Christmas tree.

Don’t worry, we’ve compiled our top picks for those last-minute or hard-to-please people on your list.

Give a gift straight from the heart (and kitchen) by whipping up a fresh homemade batch of fudge, cookies or other delights. Head to the kitchen cabinet, pull out your favorite recipe and start mixing. When done, find a pretty box or dish and adorn with a bow. Most fudge recipes are simple and delicious. If you don’t have a favorite recipe mastered, use the one on the back of the bag. Most companies have test kitchens so the recipe will be tried and truly delicious. If all else fails, head to the bakery section of the grocery store and pick out a couple of items, arranging just enough of each to satisfy a sweet tooth in a basket. Who will ever know you didn’t bake them yourself?

Cost: Less than $10; just the expense of ingredients and a bit of your time. Basket and ribbon can usually be found tucked away in a corner.

Finding the perfect gift for the person who has everything on your list can sometimes cause more headaches than what it feels it’s worth. For them, try the gift of time. Contact one of the many local organizations and set up a schedule to volunteer your time in the recipient’s name. Start the first week of January, and something as simple as an hour a week for the next year will add up quickly to be a memorable gift. If the person has a favorite charity or a cause close to their heart, choose that one to make it even more personal. Let the recipient know with a homemade card and a few written lines about the gift. Remember, it is the season for giving and sharing, that doesn’t necessarily mean shopping and buying.

Cost: free.

Pick a gift that will keep on giving all year round. Set up a schedule with a flower shop to have beautiful arrangements sent to the person one day each month. Every time the flowers are delivered, the recipient won’t be able to help but think about you. Other companies can deliver monthly fruit baskets, a selection of meat, coffee, cheese or even beer or cigars. For the know-it-all (or the person who just wants to know-it-all), give the gift of a magazine subscription. Choose from a wide-range of magazines, from beauty and gossip to do-it-yourself publications that offer tips and hints on the person’s hobbies and interests.

Cost: yearly subscriptions can be bought for as low as $10 or as much as $500 if purchasing a lifetime subscription.

Start a new tradition. Consult the recipient’s significant other or Blackberry and block off a whole day to spend together. Then, make sure you follow through. Spend the day together visiting each other’s favorite sightseeing spots, going to a sporting event or just renting a bunch of movies, popping some popcorn and lounging around in your PJs all day. Trust us, a day spent doing something completely unproductive after (or even during) the holiday season is the perfect way to recoup and recharge your batteries.

Exchange stories, memories and experiences and the bond formed will be the best gift of all.

Cost: price will vary on activity. Spring for a new baseball cap of the recipient’s favorite team or PJs and slippers if lounging around.

Lake Sun Leader

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